Lucas Paquetá is notably absent from the current Brazil squad
At times, Lucas Paquetá was able to entertain the West Ham United faithful with his Brazilian flair. However, his time at the London Stadium was marred by allegations of spot-fixing. Paqueta was eventually cleared of the alleged betting breaches. However, it all got too much for him in a Premier League match against Liverpool last season, where he was shown two yellow cards in quick succession.
The midfielder then released a statement after the game, saying, "It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation. Perhaps this ridiculous behaviour is just a reflection of everything I've had to endure and, it seems, have to continue enduring! I'm sorry I'm not perfect."
He then returned to Flamengo in January, but still went to the World Cup with Brazil. However, he came off injured against Japan and then missed the defeat to Norway in the round of 16. Paqueta has also not been selected in Carlo Ancelotti's side for the current international break.
This is a strange decision, as Ancelotti favours playing a 4-2-3-1 formation. Paqueta is also one of his country's only out-and-out top attacking midfield options. Raphinha played the position against Australia in their first match of this international break, which ended 1-1. He got an assist in this match, but the Barcelona player is more of a centre-forward.
Lucas Paqueta could still have been a versatile option for Brazil
In Brazil's second fixture against the Australians, Raphinha played up front and scored as Brazil won 4-2. Ancelotti also played a 4-3-3 formation in that match, with a midfield three of Bruno Guimarães, Gabriel Bontempo, and Danilo starting. Paqueta could have fitted into this system too, as he can play on the left and centrally.
Paqueta is only 29, so he should be in his prime and competing at the highest level. Had he been in the right mindset and stayed at West Ham, he could have prevented the club from relegation. The way he left put a stain on his time with the Hammers. However, fans should not forget that he did set up Jarrod Bowen's winner in the Europa Conference League.
His form back in Brazil with Flamengo has still been good. He has scored 11 goals in 25 games since returning to the club. He also helped them win the Campeonato Carioca. Playing outside of Europe does not affect your chances of playing for Brazil at the moment. 11 of the current 26-man squad play their football in Brazil.
Brazil still has a friendly against India to play before this international break ends. This will give the current midfielders another chance to impress. All Paqueta can do now is make sure his form for Flamengo remains good if he is to get back into Ancelotti's plans.
